Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner

Date: 2024-12-07

The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.

Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.

Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”

Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”

Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.

“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.

“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”

 

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Modibbo Kawu     Mujtabah Bature     Chief Of Staff     SSUCOEN     Yakubu Mohammed Abdullahi     United Nigeria Congress Party     Harmony Holdings     Ajuloopin     Ubandoma     Amuda Aluko     Mukhtar Shagaya     Abdulmalik Bashir Mopelola Risikatullahi     Abegunde Goke     JAAC     Al-Ilory     Erubu Oba Zubair     Olabode Towoju     Alaaya     Okanlawon Taiwo     Bello Bature     Tafida Of Kaiama     Abdullahi Saadudeen Alikinla     Arinola Fatimoh Lawal     IDPU     Iqra Books     Musa Abdullahi     Afeyin-Olukuta     Sheikh Ridhwanullah     Rueben Parejo     Olateju Lukman     Kwara State Sports Commission     Akeem Olatunji     Wasiu Odewale     Bello John Olanrewaju     Women Radio     ASMAU PLAZA     Abdullahi Atanda     Adedayo Yusuf Abdulkareem     Laolu Saraki     Micheal Imodu-Ganmo Road     Rice Farmers Association Of Nigeria     Government High School (GHS), Adeta     Ibraheem Adeola Katibi     Durbar Festival     Mahfouz Adedimeji     Oko     Damilola Yusuf Adelodun     Ronke Adeyemi     Seun Bolaji     CELF     Sabitiyu Grillo     Ibrahim Gambari     Mumeen Lah     Abatemi Usman     Crystal Corner Shops     Senior Special Assistant On Student Affairs     Amos Sayo     Raimi Iyanda     Moses Afolayan     Village Alive Development Association     Binta Abubakar-Mora     Abdulrauf Aliyu     Valsolar Consultoria     Bayer Nigeria Limited     Awodun     Ibrahim Oniye     GRA     Saka Onimago     Bolakale Saka     Offorjama     Mohammed Alabi Lawal     Lawal Olohungbebe     Kwara     Akom Construction And Engineering Synergy Ltd     Ojo Isekuse     Alfa Modibbo Belgore     Abubakar B.M    

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Plat Technologies Limited     Mustapha Akanbi     Mumini Ishola Hanafi     Isiaka Oniwa     Senate President     Balogun Ajikobi     Yomi Ogunsola     Eleja     Funmi Salau     Mahmud Babatunde Baker     Oladimeji Thompson     AbdulRaheem Ahmad Shayi     Ilorin Emirate Stakeholders Forum     Kemi Adeosun     Metro Park     Obuh     Laduba     Kunle Akogun     Lanre Issa-Onilu     Shuaibu Yaman Abdullahi     Funmilayo Zubair     SSA Youth Engagement     AGF Abdulrazaq     Hausa     Village Alive Development Association     Mansurat Amuda-Kannike     NULGE     Stephen Fasakin     Ahmed Shuaib Buranga     Tescom.kwarastate.gov.ng     Ayodele Kuburat Olaosebikan     Abiodun Abdulkareem     Haruna Olawale Sulaiman     Baboko Primary School     Sobi Hill     Sobi FM     Kwara State Branch Of The National Library     ARMTI     Trader Moni     Awwal Jawondo     Taofeek Sanusi     ITEM 7     Bashir Badawi     Yahaya Muhammad     Abdulwasiu Bolaji Adeyi     Ahmad Fatima Bisola     Tafida     Bisi Oyeleke     Yakubu Shaaba     Mahfouz Adedimeji     Abdulmutalib Shittu     Dan Masanin     Zainab Abass     Mahee Abdulkadir     Mamatu Abdullahi     Owu Fall     TESCOM 2025     Fatimat Saliu     Jumoke F. Ajao     Kola Adesina     Pius Abioje     Presidential Election     Olatomiwa Williams     Ibrahim Abdullahi     Garment Factory     Sunday Otokiti     NURTW     Ridhwanullah Al-Ilory     Okanlawon Musa     Muhammad Fawaz Abubakar     Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode     Oko-Olowo     Fatimah Abdulkadir     Lawan     Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission     Bolakale Ayo     Senate Presidency